Two of Essex Eels' brightest propsects, Elliot Levy and Elliot Harvey, missed out on silverware but gained some invaluable experience at the York International Nines tournament.

Turning out for the representative London Koogas side, who were the defending champs, the pair impressed against teams from Paris, Glasgow and Kazakstan amongst others.

Koogas coach Caro Wild said: "Elliot Levy was perpetual motion personified in defence.

"He just tackled everything that moved, while Elliot Harvey was dangerous with the ball in hand and was always looking to hit a gap or put one of his team mates through.

"Both of them were outstanding for us and were a main reason why we made the quarter-finals before going out to the eventual finalists York.

"It's great to see two Essex teenagers playing Rugby League so well in such a short space of time. Essex should be very proud of these two."

Essex Eels are sweating on the fitness of star halfback Blair Tonkin ahead of Saturday's crucial clash with Ipswich Rhinos.

Tonkin has been unable to train since sustaining a rib cartilidge injury during the demolition of Cambridge Eagles two Saturdays ago and is still on medication for the injury. But he is hoping to attempt a run-out this week.

Published Wednesday, June 25, 2003

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